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Nijahia Sanchez was thrilled about her catch at Lake Kaweah Saturday afternoon.

The 16-year-old reeled in a tagged trout landing her a $20 cash prize.

Sanchez, along with hundreds more, were participating in the fifth annual Lake Kaweah Trout Derby.

Unusually warm weather and severe drought conditions have made stocking cold water trout difficult this year so organizers decided to look at ways to expand the derby by adding prizes for two other types of fish — bass and catfish.

Sanchez also caught a 16-inch bass and as of Saturday afternoon the largest trout fished out of the water was 18-inches.

But those who were able to catch the largest bass, catfish or trout, untagged, were looking at an automatic win of $200.

Also up for grabs was a 6-pound catfish which awarded an F-150 Truck.

Head organizer Richard Latronico said folks from as far as Gilroy and Tehachapi made the trip to compete for the top prizes, which also included a Ranger tournament series fishing boat and $10,000 in cash.

"We had people lined up at the gate at 8 this morning," he said.

Samuel Gomez Junior caught a tagged $100 bass.(Photo: Gary Kazanjian)

In addition to the tagged fish, organizers stocked the night before 700 more trout, which was placed in the lake to ensure anglers had a chance to catch a good variety of fish.

To help keep fishers and boaters safe, organizers also observed National Safe Boating Week.

As volunteers with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary were tracking safe boaters, Kaweah Delta District Hospital handed out free life jackets.

Rod Rollins, staff officer of operations, said there are specific signs his team will look for while out on the lake.

Rollins specifically looks for engines up out of the water, people waiving life jackets and keeps a close eye out for any signs of distress.

"We are out here helping people that are boating and having them do it safely," he explained. "If they don't look like they're in distress or trying to get our attention, we'll just leave them alone."

Rollins and other U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers stressed the importance of sober driving and wearing a life jacket.

"On the water we like to see everyone wear a life vest," Rollins said.

Another way boaters can stay safe on the water is by taking a boating course taught through the auxiliary which teaches the basics of boating for all levels.